The last time I sat down to write a lengthy blog post, I was reflecting on a fierce 6 years of The Lady-like Leopard. My paws were on pause. After all, for many years I was known as Melina Morry, founder of The Lady-like Leopard, blogger, and leopard-print aficionado. This year, I decided to change that. And to step away from that role.
Blogging consumed my life for a long time. Like, a really long time. Not to mention the countless hours I put into it every day. The pressure to keep content pumping out and to constantly engage on social media was taking a toll on my mental and emotional health. It was too much. So, I took a leap back to focus on the other things I love.
I’m Reintroducing Myself as Melina Morry, Chick Lit Author, Writer, and Eternal Leopard-Print Lover.
It doesn’t mean that I’m never going to blog again. Of course I will. (Btw—I started a new blog on my personal site, plus a Frugally Fierce section to document my vintage finds.) It’s a part of who I am! And where else can I brag and boast about how fierce I think leopards and their spots are? Exactly. So, while I will continue to be a leopard lover and animal print-obsessed power woman, I’m going to continue working on my other passions too. Here’s what I’ve been up to during quarantine.
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Shopping sustainably when I can
Honestly, during this wild year, I’ve barely done any shopping at all. I mean, what’s the point? I’m inside my apartment almost every day and working from home whenever possible. There are no glamorous events or cocktail parties to go to. I hardly even see my friends in person anymore. For a social butterfly gemini like myself, it’s been pretty tough. However, nothing cheers up an extrovert’s spirits like buying a gorgeous new dress. Especially a locally made one. I treated myself to the Riley mini dress from Pradegal. Can you spot the subtle leopard pattern?
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Working on my portfolio
Over the last few months, I’ve been working ferociously to update my online portfolio. That means: taking all new photos, redesigning the template, ensuring every single page is search engine optimized, and sprucing up my content. It also means that I’ve been pitching like a mad woman, trying to get my name out there. There has been an excruciating amount of work. Even more excruciating? The amount of rejections I’ve received. Holy smokes. One night, after yet another rejection popped its way into my inbox, I shed a few tears into an overflowing glass of wine. I needed to get those emotions out before I persevered. To be fair, most of my pitches have been turned down because of pandemic cost freezes. But still. It sucks.
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Writing books and short stories
Guess what? This year I finished writing my first book! Yes, you read that correctly. I am an author! Although, still an unpublished author. But that will change. The main thing is, I finished writing a book. All 80,000 words of it are scandalous, fashionable, and juicier than a ripe grapefruit. I’ve been sending it around to different agents and publishing houses in Toronto, New York, and Vancouver. So far, no bites. And although it’s frustrating because I just want to share it with the world already—I’m trying to be patient. It’s like one long waiting game. In the meantime, I’ve been writing a collection of short stories that I can publish right away for that tingly feeling you get with instant gratification.
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Learning to speak Spanish
Okay—I’ll admit it. I’m half Peruvian and yet never learned to speak Spanish fluently. It’s shameful, but whatever. Better late than never, right? One of my girlfriends and I had planned to take Spanish lessons together this year but then with the end of socialization as we know it, that was cancelled. Instead, we both started learning on Duolingo. I’m now at over 160 days in a row with a lesson. I’m nowhere near fluent yet but I’ve noticed that I’ve gotten better. The photo above is from a socially-distanced picnic I did with a friend for Peruvian Independence Day. The food is from Pisac Bistro and is riquisimo! I highly recommend you check them out.
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Doing yoga every single day
When I was in my early teens, my dad encouraged me to find a form of fitness that I enjoyed. I chose Bikram Yoga. At the time, he was footing the bill so of course I picked the most expensive exercise I could find. I’ve always had expensive taste—when someone else is paying. Anyway, that’s not the point. I’ve now been doing yoga for over 15 years and I’m so thankful to have my practice. It’s helped with keeping me calm, balanced, and healthy during quarantine. When gyms closed down, I immediately signed up for Alo Moves. It’s fierce! And there’s a lot more than just yoga. So far, my favourite instructors are Briohny Smyth, Ashley Galvin, Carling Harps, Koya Webb, and Callie Gullickson.
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Moving and decorating a new apartment
After 5 years of living solo, I finally gave up my independent lifestyle. André and I talked a lot about moving in together but never quite bit the bullet. However, things changed dramatically once the pandemic hit. I moved in with him one week into lockdown. And although I kept my apartment for the first few months, it ultimately didn’t make sense for me to keep paying rent for a place I hadn’t been to in weeks upon weeks. So, I gave notice on my studio apartment and officially moved into his 2-bedroom. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of my home décor shopping at Value Village. You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve been able to get. Two glass pitchers cost me $10 while two wine glasses were only $2 and a set of mixing bowls were only $7. I’m all about that sustainably thrifted lifestyle.
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Last but not least, staying safe!
I cannot stress this one enough. I’m serious. Everybody should be trying to do everything in their power to stay as safe as possible. There’s literally no excuse not to. You don’t need to go eat at the hottest restaurants, you’re not going to die if you don’t see your friends all of the time, and staying home—no matter how bored you think you are—isn’t going to kill you. However, not wearing a mask, social distancing, or washing your hands might. So just do it. Please.
